In most cases, no. Carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs and is manufactured under very strict IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) requirements. If you have bad allergies or sensitivity to latex, you may want to vacate the area of carpet installation for 48-72 hours and keep it well ventilated. You may also want to remove pets from the new carpet area for this time. Carpets are generally labeled with the Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) Green Label and Green Label Plus, signifying that they meet standards for low VOC emissions.

When it comes to dust and allergens, carpet tends to hold them in its pile until they can be vacuumed up. With hard
surface floors, when you sweep your floors, and even when a wind draft comes into your room, allergens can stir much easier
into the air and into your lungs. In this instance, carpet is better for someone with allergies. On the other hand, carpet that is subject to prolonged moisture and dirt can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, in which case carpet may increase your allergic symptoms. You can,
however, choose synthetic carpets, which are mold and mildew resistant to hinder the growth of these allergens. Frequent professional
steam cleaning will also help to keep your carpets clean and safe.

When having old carpet removed, it is recommended that you leave the premises prior to the removal of old carpet as this
can stir up a lot of dust and allergens. Also, have workers remove the used carpet to a safe place out of your home, and vacuum all areas where
carpeting was removed.

IAQ stands for Indoor Air Quality. There are IAQ testing programs that are established to determine the indoor air quality of homes. These programs also measure VOC (volatile organic chemical) emissions from carpeting.

What are the different styles available in carpeting and what benefits do they offer?

Carpet comes in many different styles or textures. The three basic types of carpet are cut pile, loop pile, and cut loop styles. Cut pile carpets are known for their versatility and elegance. Loop pile carpets are great for withstanding heavy traffic, making them a common choice for commercial applications. Cut & Loop piles can be used to create a variety of unique designs and textures, and have excellent soil-hiding capabilities.

Some carpet manufacturers are now using innovative manufacturing processes to make carpet from the sugar derived from corn kernels. These carpets are considered eco-friendly as corn is a rapidly renewable resource and using these products reduces our dependence on petroleum.

Shading is the term for color differences between areas, caused by normal wear and random pile lay direction. The sides of carpet fibers reflect, appearing brighter and lighter than the ends. Color fading is the result of the carpet becoming lighter in color due to contact with sunlight.

Shedding or piling is very normal for new carpeting, especially those made with staple carpet fibers (as opposed to bulked continuous filament (BCF) fibers). When the yarn is sheared at the factory pieces will fall into the pile of the carpet, which become loose after installation. Most shedding will stop in a short time with regular vacuuming. Some take longer than others and this is determined by the way the carpet was manufactured.

Most synthetic carpet fibers are mold and mildew resistant such as polyester, nylon, polyester, acrylic, and triexta. Regardless, if moisture reaches between the carpet and the subfloor, where it sits for an extended period of time, mold can grow and cause issues.

Most carpet will require padding or a cushion if installed in a residential space. Some carpets are designed to be installed without cushion, and some are designed to be directly glued to the subfloor. Pads and cushions will almost always give you a more comfortable feel as well as extend the life of your carpeting. To select a pad or cushion with minimal VOCs look for a green label on the sample that has the letters CRI IAC on it. This will assure you that the product complies with indoor air quality standards.

Yes, most carpets can be installed over radiant heating. It is often recommended that you use a flat rubber or synthetic cushion. Always check with both your radiant heating and carpet manufacturer's recommendations.

This can be caused by a couple of different things. When your carpet was installed the installer could have cut thru some of the loops, leaving loose ends that can be caught and unraveled. Another cause could be that your installer did not seal the seams with a latex binder which is normally recommended on Berber carpets. It also could be from pets that are getting their toenails caught in the loops.

When the carpet was installed, it may not have been stretched properly. You may have used too much water during cleaning, or your carpet may be affected by high humidity. It can also be caused by sliding large furniture across the floor.

Vacuum carpet regularly with a HEPA vacuum and schedule periodic professional cleanings by a professional who uses the hot water extraction method every 12–18 months as recommended by your manufacturer.
To remove a spill or stain from carpet between professional cleanings, use water with a white towel or cloth. Blot the stain (do not
rub as it will disfigure the tips of the yarn) until it dissipates, then place a dry, white towel or cloth on top of the area
with some weight on it to draw out leftover moisture.

This is the hot–water extraction method, and no steam is actually produced. This is done from a truck–mounted
carpet cleaning unit, or when necessary (i.e. the truck mounted unit cannot reach) a portable, self–contained system is
brought into the cleaning area. It is recommended by many carpet manufacturers that you choose a carpet cleaning professional
that is IICRC certified.